Page 96 of Wild Love

I nodded. "Actually, I boughtyoua theater. It's in a trust with you as the trustee."

Scarlett's eyes filled with tears. "I didn't know."

"You didn't let me explain that night."

"I'm sorry. I'd just gotten the job offer, and I was confused. It was everything I wanted. I expected to get that itch to leave, but I didn't this time. It felt more like it was something I was supposed to do."

My heart beat harder, and I resisted the urge to touch her. "And how do you feel now?"

"Like my heart was being ripped out because everyone I love is here. We never said we wanted anything long-term, but things changed, and we both fell in love."

"What are you saying, Scarlett?" I asked, not wanting to make any assumptions.

"I want to live in Telluride. I want to run your theater and teach the kids how to sing and dance. This is so much better than traveling from town to town. I get to touch people in a way here that I don't performing. Plus, I have you, Chance, my family, and Marigold. Everyone I love is here." A smile played on her face.

I stepped closer to her. "I didn't think I'd ever hear those words come out of your mouth."

Her expression fell. "Were you really going to let me go to Tennessee?"

"That was Marigold's plan. She said you needed to see how empty your life was without us."

Scarlett laughed. "She's feeling confident about herself, isn't she?"

"I doubted every second of our plan to let you go. I wanted to suggest long-distance, and when you got on that plane this morning, I wanted to stop you. I wasn't going to let you be gone for long."

"I love that."

"I love you. If you get the itch to travel, we could go together. But I'll respect your decision if you ever get the acting bug again."

"Why would I leave when everything I've ever wanted is right here?"

"I did buy you a theater."

"Most romantic gesture ever."

I held her tight, lowering my head to kiss her. I didn't care who saw us. But when I finally lifted my head, there were cheers.

Scarlett was pulled into Chance's arms, then Marigold's. "Do I get a welcome-home party now?"

"Girl, you didn't even leave the state. Don't push your luck," Marigold said, hugging her tight.

"I'm hungry. Did you eat?" Scarlett's gaze bounced between us.

"We did, but I have the perfect place to show you."

EPILOGUE

SCARLETT

On the way from the airport to Telluride, I called the director in Tennessee to let him know that I'd decided to stay on as the director of the theater in town. He'd been surprisingly understanding, and the entire time, I felt like I was making the right decision.

My friends and family were in Telluride, not Tennessee. I didn't have the urge to leave anymore. In fact, it was actually painful to go to the airport. I couldn't imagine living in Tennessee when everyone I loved was here in Colorado.

I had no idea what I'd do for work, but I was hopeful I could figure something out. I hadn’t processed that I owned the theater. But I could lead classes at the library or community center. There were numerous possibilities.

I'd just hoped that Eli hadn't truly moved on. The moment I turned to find him crossing the street, my heart leaped into my throat. What if he said he didn't love me anymore? What if it was just a temporary fling after all?

I couldn’t believe my family and friends had worked together to convince me to stay. They helped me realize everything I was leaving behind.

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